Former WNBA All-star Katie Douglas emphasizes the need for change, noting the increased physicality Clark faces and distinguishing fouls from normal contact. Her comments follow the House GOP’s call for WNBA intervention to protect the star player.
Caitlin Clark directly called out a referee for missing a call against her after a loss on Wednesday night.
Clark was seen yelling demonstratively in the face of a referee after a play against Golden State veteran Kiah Stokes. Clark said she was “kneed in the quad” after the game and suffered a contusion.
“I got kneed right in the quad, that hurts, the ref can’t miss that,” she told reporters.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to a referee during a game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 15, 2026.(Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“And then I have to play with a contusion in my leg for the rest of the game. Ridiculous, you can’t miss calls like that.”
Clark was seen taking a brief trip to the locker room after the play, as she continues to work her way back to full strength and health after suffering a back injury in June.
Clark was asked if she got an explanation on the no-call, and said she told that she herself initiated the contact.
“You can’t knee me in the leg and knock me over,” Clark said.
“Seems to always be initiating the contact,” White said sarcastically of the decision.
Footage of Clark yelling at the referee went viral on social media, sparking debate and opposing critcisms, as some fans condemned the referee for missing the call while others questioned Clark’s behavior.
Clark finished with 13 points and six assists, going just 4-for-14 from the field and 1-of-8 from three-point range. She scored 11 points after coming back from the locker room with the apparent contusion.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever is introduced before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 15, 2026.(A.J. Mast/NBAE via Getty Images)
Tensions have been high in the WNBA in recent weeks after Clark was punched in the throat by Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas, and referees did not call it a foul in the moment.
Thomas was later suspended for one game, but the WNBA put out a statement in defense of Thomas from alleged harassment and threats she had apparently been receiving since punching Clark in the throat.
Clark meanwhile is playing while still not fully healthy, as she played on a minutes restriction for three straight games in her return from injury.
76ers orthopedic consultant Dr. Nicholas DiNubile previously told Fox News Digital that he is “concerned” with the amount of contact Clark has been taking from other players.
“The type of contact and the amount of contact that she gets is concerning to me. It’s troubling to me,” DiNubile said.
“I don’t think there’s anything she can do…It’s hard to protect yourself with those type of… And that’s why they’re flagrant fouls, right? You just… There, there’s no way to really protect yourself in those instances… she takes it in stride. I don’t think she brings any of it on herself.”
DiNubile’s opinion is that the league has to do a better job of actively protecting Clark, via the referees, in order to avoid disaster.
“I think they should be calling things,” he said. “They can officiate better… I mean, how do they miss this?”
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
Apple AirDrop and Android Quick Share are the kind of phone features you probably use without thinking much about them. You want to send a photo across the room. You want to move a file from your phone to your laptop. So you tap share, pick a nearby device and move on.
Now, new security research shows those handy nearby-sharing tools can also create a wireless opening around your phone.
Researchers at the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security examined Apple AirDrop and Android Quick Share. They found six vulnerabilities across Apple, Samsung and Google implementations. The flaws include AirDrop crash bugs, Samsung Quick Share protocol issues and a Google Quick Share for Windows bug that could potentially lead to remote code execution.
AirDrop and Quick Share make file sharing easy, but researchers say nearby sharing can also expose phones to wireless attacks in crowded places.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
That can affect you in a very everyday way. Your phone may be sitting in your pocket at an airport gate, in a coffee shop or inside a packed conference room while it listens for nearby sharing requests. If a bad actor gets close enough, they could try to take advantage of that open wireless doorway before you even realize anything happened. So, before you leave AirDrop or Quick Share open again, here is what the research found and the settings worth checking now.
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AirDrop Quick Share security flaws explained
The researchers call this a proximity problem. AirDrop and Quick Share are built to find nearby devices without the usual setup of pairing first. That convenience is the whole point. It also means the sharing software has to listen before it fully trusts the other device.
According to the research, the affected protocols are used by more than five billion devices. Apple reports more than 2.2 billion active devices running the sharing service tied to AirDrop. Google reports more than 3 billion Android devices with Quick Share available system-wide or used as a default sharing tool on many phones.
The study found three AirDrop issues that could be triggered before authentication. It also found two Samsung Quick Share protocol flaws. In addition, researchers found one Google Quick Share for Windows use-after-free bug. Apple, Samsung and Google acknowledged the reports, according to the researchers.
Why AirDrop and Quick Share can expose your phone
Most phone attacks we talk about involve bad links, fake login pages or shady apps. This research points to a different kind of risk because it starts with physical proximity. A nearby attacker may not need your password. They may not need you to open a website either. In some cases, the target device only needs to be discoverable or in a sharing mode that listens for nearby devices.
That does not mean someone can grab every photo on your phone by standing next to you. The known flaws are narrower than that. Still, the research shows that file-sharing features sit closer to sensitive parts of the system than many of us realize. AirDrop interacts with Apple’s sharing service, which supports features beyond file transfers. Quick Share also moves through low-level networking and device-to-device connection steps. That is why bugs in this area deserve your attention.
How nearby hackers could abuse AirDrop and Quick Share
The most immediate risk is disruption. Researchers found AirDrop bugs that could crash Apple’s sharing service. That service supports AirDrop and other continuity features.
On Samsung Quick Share, researchers found protocol weaknesses that could let an attacker manipulate connection behavior before full authentication. Another issue could allow certain control messages to be injected during an active transfer.
The Google Quick Share for Windows bug is more serious on paper. Researchers described it as a heap use-after-free issue and said Google awarded a bug bounty for it. The paper says this type of bug could potentially be developed into a full remote code-execution exploit.
Google told CyberGuy it has addressed the Windows issue. “We’ve patched the flaw identified for Quick Share for Windows. As a best security practice, users should always ensure they apply the latest security updates available for their device,” a Google spokesperson said.
For most phone owners, the daily takeaway is clear. Nearby sharing is useful, but you should avoid leaving your device open to everyone when you do not need it.
Who faces the biggest AirDrop and Quick Share risk
You should be extra careful with AirDrop or Quick Share when you are around a lot of strangers. That includes airports, trains, hotels and large events. These are places where a nearby attacker could sit close enough to reach many devices at once.
The risk goes up when your phone is set to receive from everyone. On iPhone, Apple says the “Everyone for 10 Minutes” setting reverts after 10 minutes if you are signed in to your Apple Account. If you are not signed in, it reverts to Receiving Off. That time limit helps. Even so, you should treat “Everyone” as a temporary setting. Turn it on only when you need it.
Ways to stay safe from AirDrop and Quick Share risks
The good news is that a few quick settings checks can make your phone much harder for nearby strangers to reach. You can also review these iPhone and Android security settings for more ways to lock down your device.
A few quick settings checks can help keep your iPhone or Samsung phone from being visible to strangers nearby.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
1) Update your phone and computer
Start with regular software updates. The researchers responsibly disclosed the findings, and fixes are underway across vendors. Install iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Android, Samsung updates, Google Play system updates and Quick Share for Windows updates as soon as they become available. Also check the apps or utilities tied to sharing on your computer. Quick Share for Windows was part of this research, so remember the PC side if you use Android-to-Windows transfers.
2) Lock down AirDrop on iPhone
On iPhone, keep AirDrop limited unless you are actively using it. The safest everyday choice is Receiving Off or Contacts Only.
To check AirDrop from Control Center on most newer iPhones, wake up your iPhone and unlock it. Look at the top-right corner of the screen where you see the battery icon. Place your finger near that corner and swipe down toward the middle of the screen. If Notification Center opens instead, try again from farther to the right.
Next, look for the box in the top-left area with the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and airplane icons. Touch and hold that box until it expands.
Then tap AirDrop. Choose Receiving Off if you do not want anyone nearby to send you files. Choose Contacts Only if you only want people saved in your contacts to reach you.
You can also use the Settings app. Tap Settings, then General, then AirDrop. From there, choose Receiving Off, Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Use Everyone for 10 Minutes only when you are expecting a file from someone nearby. After that, go back to AirDrop and switch it to Contacts Only or Receiving Off.
3) Limit Quick Share on Samsung
On a Samsung phone, Quick Share controls who can see your device and send you files nearby. The safest everyday choice is No one or Contacts only.
To check it from the Quick panel, wake up your phone and unlock it. Place two fingers at the very top-right area of the screen and swipe down. This opens the full Quick panel. If that feels tricky, swipe down once from the top of the screen, then swipe down again to see more buttons.
Look for the Quick Share button. If you do not see it, swipe left across the Quick panel to see more buttons. Tap Quick Share.
A menu should appear that says Who can share with you. Choose No one if you do not want nearby people to find your phone. Choose Contacts only if you only want saved contacts to share with you. Avoid Everyone or Anyone nearby unless you are expecting a file from someone you trust.
You can also use the Settings app. Tap Settings, then tap the search bar at the top. Type Quick Share. Tap Quick Share, then tap Who can share with you. Choose No one or Contacts only.
Use Everyone or Anyone nearby only when you are actively receiving a file. After that, go back into Quick Share and switch it to No one or Contacts only.
4) Decline random file requests
A file request from a stranger should be a red flag. Even if the file name looks harmless, decline it. Attackers often rely on curiosity. They may use a funny photo name or something that looks like it came from a nearby event. If you did not ask for the file, decline the request.
5) Turn off nearby sharing in crowded places
If you are traveling or sitting in a packed public place, turn receiving off. This is especially helpful at airports, train stations and large events. You can still turn AirDrop or Quick Share back on when you actually need it. That small habit gives you more control over when your phone is visible.
6) Be careful with personal files
If you use AirDrop or Quick Share to send personal files, slow down before you tap send. Check the recipient name carefully. When possible, confirm the device in person before sharing. Be extra careful with photos, tax documents, travel confirmations, medical forms, school paperwork or anything that includes your address, phone number or financial details. Avoid sending private files to devices with generic names like “iPhone,” “Galaxy” or “Laptop.” For sensitive documents, use a trusted cloud storage or file-sharing service where you can confirm the recipient, manage access and add password protection when available.
7) Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi under control
Nearby sharing often relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to discover and transfer between devices. You do not need to turn both off all day. However, it is smart to disable sharing features when you are done. Also, skip random public Wi-Fi networks just because they look familiar. Your phone can do a lot in the background. Give it fewer chances to talk to strangers.
8) Use strong security software
Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious files if you accidentally accept something you should not have. This is especially important on computers, since Quick Share for Windows was part of the research. Keep your security software updated and scan any file that looks suspicious before opening it. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
AirDrop and Quick Share are useful, and most of us will keep using them. I know I will. But this research is a good reminder that nearby sharing should not stay wide open by default. The issue comes down to convenience. Phone makers made file sharing feel effortless. That is great when you are sending vacation photos to family or moving a file to your laptop. It feels different when the same feature is listening in a packed airport, coffee shop or hotel lobby. What stands out to me is the range. A bad actor may only need to be close by. So, my advice is straightforward. Update your devices. Keep AirDrop and Quick Share limited to people you trust. Turn off receiving when you are in a crowd. And never accept a file request you were not expecting.
Limiting AirDrop and Quick Share to trusted contacts can reduce the chances of unwanted file requests or risky transfers.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Should phones make nearby sharing harder to leave open in public places? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
The economy saw a strong start to the year, but growth has faltered in recent months with the conflict in the Middle East having affected some businesses.
The Iran war has pushed up oil and fuel prices, and also disrupted supply chains.
The ONS said firms in a number of sectors had flagged the conflict as affecting activity, including some manufacturing industries, hospitality firms, travel agencies and entertainment companies.
Since hostilities resumed between the US and Iran last week, the price of oil has risen from about $72 a barrel to $84, although it remains well below the peak of around $120 seen earlier this year.
“Today’s data confirm that growth remains fragile,” said Fergus Jimenez-England, associate economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
“As energy prices climb once more, all eyes are now on the new prime minister to deliver much-needed stability.”
Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG, said the warmer weather and World Cup might have boosted consumer spending into June and July, but this “may not be enough to offset weakness across other parts of the economy”.
“The recent rise in energy prices, driven by a pick-up in tensions in the Middle East, could pose a risk to the growth outlook, with financial conditions also tightening as a result,” Selfin said.
The growth in May “is not a bad welcome gift for incoming PM Andy Burnham”, said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics.
“But with higher energy prices still restraining real incomes, he shouldn’t get used to it.”
Responding to the latest figures, a spokesperson for the Treasury said: “We have the right economic plan which has put the UK in a much stronger position than two years ago with the fastest growth in the G7 in the first quarter and the OECD agreeing that we have restored stability.”
But Conservative shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said chancellor Rachel Reeves had “failed” in her attempts to boost growth.
“Two years of higher taxes have choked the economy, and now Andy Burnham wants even more taxes to pay for more benefits.
“Starmer and Reeves may be on their way out but the problem isn’t just the chancellor, it’s the Labour Party.”
Ofcom will examine how the video-sharing app assesses if a user is a child and whether it has adequate systems to prevent children from viewing harmful content.
“We’re confident that we meet our Online Safety Act obligations and will work with Ofcom to demonstrate it,” a TikTok spokesperson said.
It follows a review by regulator in May which criticised the platform for not being “safe enough” for children and called for stronger action on children’s online safety.
Kate Davies, Ofcom’s group director for strategy and research told BBC’s Today programme: “This is where TikTok comes in. We found that some method of age checks being used by social media are not working well enough”.
At the heart of the regulator’s probe into the platform is its use of technology known as “age inference”.
This essentially relies on estimating how old a user is based on how they use the platform, such as the videos they watch or others they interact with.
Davies said Ofcom had “serious doubts” over whether such tools are good enough at checking the age of users.
The regulator requires social media platforms, among others, to use “highly effective” methods to check users are old enough to use them and prevent children from seeing harmful material.
“We have very serious questions about whether age inference can be highly effective,” she said.
But a TikTok spokesperson said: “We strictly enforce age-appropriate experiences through expert-informed platform rules and advanced age inference technologies, in line with major industry peers.”
They said the company had invested “billions” in online safety since launching in the UK eight years ago.
The UK economy returned to growth in May, but the fallout of the Iran war continues to hamper businesses and consumers, leading one expert to note Andy Burnham will inherit an economy which is “not the G7 laggard that many regard it” as – but others cautioning worse lies ahead.
Rising energy costs and disruption to supply chains are two of the biggest issues to any further economic expansion, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showing gross domestic product rose (GDP) by 0.1 per cent in May, following a 0.1 per cent contraction in April.
The meagre growth in May came after expansion of 0.3 per cent in the all-important services sector, which was partly offset by falls of 0.5 per cent in production and 0.8 per cent in construction, according to the ONS.
Growth has been pulling back sharply after a much better than expected start to the year, with the ONS recording growth of 0.3 per cent in March before the contraction in April, which was the first fall for eight months in what was seen as a sign that the Iran war was beginning to take its toll.
In the three months to May, GDP rose 0.7 per cent after upwardly revised growth of 0.8 per cent in the three months to April.
However, with the data being backwards-looking concerns now rest on resumed hostilities in the Middle East which could further impact the inflation picture across the rest of 2026.
“The economy grew by 0.1 per cent in May and continued to expand over the latest three months, demonstrating a degree of resilience that should be welcomed,” said Kevin Brown, savings expert at Scottish Friendly.
“But growth on paper may mean little to many UK households while concerns about volatile energy prices, inflation and everyday bills continue to overshadow the wider picture.
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“The real test is whether this momentum can be sustained long enough to improve living standards and give people greater confidence to spend, save, and plan ahead.”
Despite that, incoming prime minister Andy Burnham will inherit an economy which, across the year so far, has grown more than some expected it would, and – pending this month’s figures – inflation data which has shown remarkable consumer resilience.
“The three-month run rate now sits at a very strong 0.8 per cent. And it’s likely that the UK will continue to sit at, or near the top, of the G7 league table when it comes to GDP growth in the second quarter of the year. In short, Keir Starmer hands over the economy to his successor on much better footing,” said Sanjay Raja, Deutsche Bank’s chief UK Economist.
“Looking ahead, we expect momentum to dampen a bit. Indeed, the Iran energy squeeze will eventually catch up with households and businesses, constraining spending and investment. Lingering geopolitical uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz won’t help either. And it’s likely that the UK’s torrid GDP growth to start the year will of course correct a bit.
“But two things will be true heading into the summer. First, despite a heartbreaking World Cup loss yesterday, the UK will very likely see a temporary bump in GDP over July given extended trading hours. And second, the UK is not the G7 laggard that many regard it to be.
“The latter will be important for the new prime minister, as it will likely offset some of the potential downgrade to the economic outlook coming as part of the OBR’s fiscal update in autumn.”
However, that optimism was not echoed in all quarters, with Scott Gardner, investment strategist at J.P. Morgan Personal Investing, feeling a “difficult hand” has been dealt to the incoming Burnham.
“The UK economy grew in May, beating expectations and showing signs of resilience despite an uncertain geopolitical environment. While this is a positive, the broader picture still points to a fragile economy with higher energy costs continuing to weigh on businesses and consumers,” he said.
“With momentum still proving difficult to sustain and the situation in Iran remaining uncertain, this reading highlights the economic challenge facing the next Prime Minister. They will inherit a difficult hand as inflation remains above-target and the Iran conflict continues to dampen growth.”
(PA)
The ONS said the Middle East conflict had been flagged by businesses across a raft of sectors for having impacted activity, including some manufacturing industries, hospitality firms, travel agencies and entertainment companies.
“A common theme of comments received by the monthly business survey was disruption in global supply chains because of the conflict in Iran,” according to the ONS.
Experts at Pantheon Macroeconomics said the May increase puts the economy on track for growth of 0.3 per cent overall in the second quarter, down from growth of 0.6 per cent in the first three months.
But nearly five months of conflict in the Middle East, and with the US-Iran peace deal having largely fallen apart, is set to see soaring fuel and energy costs impact growth over the year.
Fergus Jimenez-England, an associate economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr), said the incoming Prime Minister will need to make economic stability a top priority.
He said: “Today’s data confirm that growth remains fragile, with both production and construction sectors falling, and services keeping the economy afloat.
“The growth outlook is further threatened by volatile energy costs which will likely dampen economic activity in the near future.
“As energy prices climb once more, all eyes are now on the new Prime Minister to deliver much-needed stability.”
A Treasury spokesperson said: “We have the right economic plan which has put the UK in a much stronger position than two years ago with the fastest growth in the G7 in the first quarter and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) agreeing that we have restored stability.”
Rob Morgan, chief investment analyst at Charles Stanley Direct, looked toward the Budget later this year and predicted more taxes were one of few real options available to the new Labour leader and his future chancellor.
“The prospect of a major fiscal event under a new government adds another layer of uncertainty. A Burnham government that inherits weak growth and stretched public finances has only a limited menu of options to balance the nation’s books in the short term: higher taxes, spending restraint, greater borrowing, or some combination. Households may become increasingly cautious if they fear future tax rises are the dish of the day,” he said.
Graham Nicoll, financial planner at NCL Wealth Partners, added that the most important factor is if households and businesses start to feel more confident or not, rather than economic figures which read near-flat month to month.
“Services are keeping the economy moving, but the weakness in key sectors raises concerns about investment, productivity and business confidence,” he said. “For the average person, this is unlikely to feel like progress. GDP growth of this level does little to improve living standards, create significant wage growth or ease financial pressures.
“The real measure of recovery will be whether households and businesses start to feel more confident, not just whether the economy avoids contraction.”
The Trades Union Congress, meanwhile, urged Andy Burnham to raise living standards first and foremost. “Donald Trump’s illegal war has sent energy prices through the roof – and comes after years of bills increasing sharply,” said TUC general secretary Paul Nowak. “That’s why the new prime minister must urgently show working people that this government is on their side by making living standards his number one priority.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark yelled in the face of referee Gerda Gatling after decisions went against her team in a 88-75 defeat by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA.
In the second quarter Clark, a three-time All-Star and one of the biggest names in women’s basketball, went for a lay-up and fell after contact from Valkyries’ Kiah Stokes. Clark appeared to be limping when she got up.
Team-mate Aliyah Boston was then called for a foul after Valkyries’ Veronica Burton bumped into her.
Using an expletive, Clark shouted at Gatling: “Give me a call. I got fouled five times.”
Clark, 24, left the court after the incident, but returned to finish the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“You can’t miss calls like that,” she said.
“I had to play with a contusion on my leg for the rest of the game. It’s ridiculous.
“She [Gatling] said I initiated contact, which is fine. But you can’t knee me in the leg and knock me over.”
This is the second time in a month that Clark has complained about Gatling, while Fever head coach Stephanie White criticised referees last month for their officiating around Clark.
HONG KONG — Major Taiwan computer chipmaker TSMC said Thursday it plans to spend another $100 billion on expanding its manufacturing capacity in the United States.
The latest commitment appears to bring the company’s total pledges for investment in U.S. chipmaking to $265 billion. It also raised its annual revenue forecast after booking record high profits thanks to runaway demand from the boom in artificial intelligence.
TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., is a key supplier to Nvidia and Apple. It had previously already committed $165 billion in the U.S. in building plants in Arizona, with six fabrication facilities planned.
C.C. Wei, chairman and CEO of TSMC, said in its quarterly earnings conference on Thursday that it’s pledging another $100 billion investment in Arizona.
TSMC on Thursday reported a record 706.6 billion new Taiwan dollars ($22 billion) in net profit for the April-June quarter, up 77% from a year earlier, better than what analysts had expected.
The chip company said it is increasing its annual capital expenditure budget to $60 billion-$64 billion for this year, up from an earlier estimate of $52 billion-$56 billion.
Whether you have an upcoming holiday or enjoy learning more about different cultures, this week’s travel-themed podcasts will have something for you to indulge in.
1. Wander Woman: A Travel Podcast
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms
Genre: Travel
(Wander Woman Podcast/PA)
The Wander Woman: A Travel Podcast is a magazine-style travel podcast.
In each episode, award-winning broadcaster, travel writer, author and photographer Phoebe Smith takes listeners behind the scenes on her travels.
This month, Smith is in “Canada’s most underrated province – Saskatchewan”, where she goes on hikes through national parks, speaks with The Travel Mum, Jenna Carr and finds out all about fossils and endangered species.
It begins with Smith giving context to the national park, which was once home to dinosaurs, indigenous people and cowboys. “You can see the history before your own eyes,” she explains.
On a history hike with tour guide Rose, listeners can hear the conversations between the two and all the sounds from the wilderness and outdoors.
She then speaks with a park ranger named Alex, who says he loves it there, thanks to the types of people that come along.
“People who come here want to be in nature,” he tells Smith. “They are not here for selfies and Instagram.”
Overall, the episode gives the perfect insight into the journey Smith is on and with the sound bites and background noise, it puts listeners right there with her.
(By Sara Keenan)
2. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Travel
(The Thoughtful Travel Podcast/PA)
New podcasts launch daily, and not all of them hang around for long. So, for The Thoughtful Travel Podcast to still be going strong 10 years since it began, it must be doing something right.
Of course, subject matter is key, and travel interests the vast majority of us, whether it be a week in the sun or longer trips, including gap years and career breaks.
So, here we are, on episode 396, and this week’s topic is spending a year abroad, in which host Amanda Kendle looks at the benefits of extended travelling.
For this episode, she is joined by Riana Ang-Canning, who discusses her first extended period of travel in the Czech Republic; Amy Willis, who chats about a digital nomad programme; and Jonty Crane, who spent a year volunteering in Timor-Leste.
What really stands out from these guests is what travel has brought to their lives, including the ability to work and travel at the same time, and how to communicate with people from all walks of life.
It would also appear that those with a nomadic side never really lose it, with many who travelled extensively in their 20s still exploring the world later in life.
(By Rachel Howard)
3. Armchair Explorer
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Travel
(Armchair Explorer/PA)
Travel broadens the mind, but you’ll need to hop off the sunlounger and out of the boutiques and bars to truly enjoy a holiday that immerses you in a different culture.
Armchair Explorer won’t tell you how to beat the queues or find the next trending patisserie, but it will guide you off the beaten track to destinations that don’t often appear in a travel agent’s window.
Since 2020, British travel writer Aaron Millar has been interviewing explorers, adventurers and guides, as well as sharing his own journeys into remote places and the fascinating communities and fellow travellers he has met.
With a back catalogue of hundreds of documentaries, you may have to scroll quite far back to find your dream destination. Just be prepared to swap your wheelie case and sandals for a rucksack and hiking boots.
(By Amy Crowther)
4. The Holiday Expert Show
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Travel
(The Holiday Expert Show/PA)
If you’re always on the lookout for clever ways to save money on your next getaway and want to stay up to date with the latest travel news, The Holiday Expert Show is well worth adding to your podcast queue.
Hosted by Chelsea Dickenson, better known as The Holiday Expert, alongside her trusted travel companion James Robinson, the podcast strikes the perfect balance between practical advice and light-hearted entertainment.
You may already recognise Dickenson from her viral Instagram videos, where she puts airport hacks and budget travel tips to the test, or from her appearances on This Morning. On this podcast, she shares some of her very best golden nuggets of advice.
In the latest episode, the duo explore the five things that could ruin your holiday this summer, from passport validity issues and flight cancellations to travel scams and offers advice on how to avoid these problems – and what to do if they happen.
Fast-paced, engaging and packed with practical, easy-to-follow advice, the podcast combines Dickenson’s travel expertise with Robinson’s humour and laid-back energy, making every episode both informative and entertaining.
Whether you’re planning a beach break, a city escape or a long-haul adventure, The Holiday Expert Show is the perfect pre-holiday listen to help you travel with confidence and enjoy a smoother trip.
(By Camilla Foster)
Spotlight on…
5. The Travel Diaries
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Travel
(The Travel Diaries/PA)
The Travel Diaries is a podcast hosted by travel and entertainment journalist Holly Rubenstein, who chats to special guests about their adventures around the world.
In the latest episode, actor and TV presenter Sir Michael Palin joins Rubenstein again to explore how his travel experiences and destinations have changed his life.
For Palin, travelling is an important part of survival. He opens up about why it’s therapeutic for him, visiting his 100th country – which was Venezuela – and his latest adventure in the Philippines.
Palin also talks about his time in Nigeria, which he describes as “a country with enormous potential”, and the ancient history he uncovered during his time in Iraq.
It was interesting listening to Palin marvel at his number one travel destination, Cusco and Machu Picchu, a place he believes everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
If you are looking for a podcast that celebrates the wonders of the world, then give The Travel Diaries a listen – even in the sky, since it’s also been added to the in-flight entertainment systems of British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, Aer Lingus and EVA Air.
Artists possess a unique ability to perceive subtle details and find meaning in ordinary scenes. Leonardo da Vinci highlighted this special way of seeing the world through deep observation. This keen perception extends beyond visual arts to writing, design, and problem-solving. Artists often sense potential and value in overlooked elements, teaching us to pay closer attention. Deeper seeing remains a crucial skill for understanding the world better today.
Artists or people with an artistic mindset have a keen eye to look for what the ordinary can barely even notice.So much so that every tinge of orange could mean hope, and darker sprays of blue and black could mean challenges or sorrow.Leonardo da Vinci spoke a long time ago about the special way artists notice the world. While many people pass by scenes, faces, objects, or moments without much thought, an artist pauses, observes, and senses meaning that is easy to miss. This does not only apply to paintings or sketches. It can also describe writing, design, photography, music, and even the way people solve everyday problems.
Representative Image
Quote of the day
The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of
Leonardo da Vinci
What does the quote mean?
Vinci suggests that true creativity begins with deep observation. An artist does not just look at the surface of things. Instead, they notice detail, pattern, feeling, light, and movement in such a way that most people overlook.What he means to say is not only about painting or drawing. It is about perception itself, and about the ability to find meaning where others see only ordinary things.This idea is perfectly suited to Leonardo because he was known for his wide curiosity and careful study of the world. He worked as a painter, draftsman, engineer, architect, and scientist, and his notebooks show how closely he observed anatomy, nature, and mechanics.
The quote describes an artist’s ‘superpower’
The quote also means that artists often sense potential before others do. A broken wall may become a powerful painting. Even an ordinary-looking expression may become a memorable portrait. A simple street scene may reveal loneliness, joy, or beauty when seen through an artist’s eyes. In this way, art teaches us to pay attention more carefully and to value what is usually ignored.And even today, social media, short videos, reels, and constant digital noise can make attention shallow. Leonardo’s quote reminds us that deeper seeing is a skill. It matters not only to artists, but also to writers, designers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to understand the world better.
The United States is imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil after finding a range of what it deemed unfair trade practices by the world’s 10th-biggest economy.
The tariffs, which were first proposed last month, will take effect July 22, according to senior Trump administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the action ahead of a formal notice posting Wednesday night.
The order exempts some goods that are not produced in the U.S. or that officials worry would disrupt supply chains. Exempted products include coffee, beef, oranges and orange juice, some oil and gas energy products and aerospace parts and components.
“Whether it is punishing U.S. technology companies for refusing to censor political speech, backsliding on anti-corruption enforcement, or allowing Brazilian farmers to exploit illegally logged land to gain an advantage over American farmers, Brazil’s unfair trading practices have prevented U.S. workers and producers from accessing this important market with over 210 million consumers,” U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement.
The administration is being strategic in only placing tariffs on goods that cannot be duplicated in the U.S., as well as goods that would not disrupt the economy, senior administration officials said.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative concluded after a yearlong investigation that Brazil had a range of unfair trade practices, including lax anti-corruption enforcement and unfair tariffs of its own, among other practices seen as unreasonable and unfair. The U.S., however, has had a goods trade surplus with Brazil for years.
After U.S. officials in early June warned that they were proposing the tariffs, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reacted with indignation. He instead pointed to political considerations, blaming his rival in the country’s October elections, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro had recently visited Washington and is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally.
Lula condemned the U.S. move in a statement on social media late Wednesday night, denying “the alleged unfair trade practices” and saying, “There is no justification for unilateral measures against our country. According to statistics from the U.S. government itself, the United States has accumulated a surplus of $424.5 billion in goods and services with Brazil over the past 15 years.”
Senior Trump administration officials on Wednesday dismissed the contention that politics played a role in the decision, citing the grievances as concerns the U.S. has long aired publicly in the trade relationship. The officials said that the U.S. had given Brazil’s government time to address the issues but only began having constructive meetings in the last six weeks, though they said not enough progress had been made.
Geraldo Alckmin, Brazil’s vice president, left, and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president, during a ministerial meeting at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 3, 2026.
Ton Molina / Bloomberg via Getty Images
The tariffs are being imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, allowing the U.S. to launch the investigation into Brazil’s trade practices.
The U.S. Supreme Court in February ruled against many of Trump’s tariffs imposed under a different law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. The court found he overstepped his authority under that act to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. trading partners, including Brazil.
Trump had under that law imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil to protest its prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro for trying to overturn his loss in a 2022 election. But Trump’s relationship with Lula seemed to improve in May, when he visited the White House.
In November 2025, the U.S. lifted 40% tariffs it had placed months earlier on Brazilian beef, coffee and other goods, at the time citing progress the U.S. had made in its trade negotiations with Brazil.
